TRV
Translation
King James Version
¶ At that time the LORD said unto me, Hew thee two tables of stone like unto the first, and come up unto me into the mount, and make thee an ark of wood.
Complete Jewish Bible
"At that time ADONAI said to me, 'Cut yourself two stone tablets like the first ones, come up to me on the mountain, and make yourself an ark of wood.
Berean Standard Bible
At that time the LORD said to me, “Chisel out two stone tablets like the originals, come up to Me on the mountain, and make an ark of wood.
American Standard Version
At that time Jehovah said unto me, Hew thee two tables of stone like unto the first, and come up unto me into the mount, and make thee an ark of wood.
World English Bible Messianic
At that time the LORD said to me, “Cut two stone tablets like the first, and come up to me onto the mountain, and make an ark of wood.
Geneva Bible (1599)
In the same time the Lord said vnto me, Hewe thee two Tables of stone like vnto the first, and come vp vnto me into the Mount, and make thee an Arke of wood,
Young's Literal Translation
`At that time hath Jehovah said unto me, Grave for thee two tables of stone, like the first, and come up unto Me, into the mount, and thou hast made for thee an ark of wood,
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In the KJVVerse 5,188 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on Deuteronomy 10 verses 1–11
1 ¶ At that time the LORD said unto me, Hew thee two tables of stone like unto the first, and come up unto me into the mount, and make thee an ark of wood.
2 And I will write on the tables the words that were in the first tables which thou brakest, and thou shalt put them in the ark.
3 And I made an ark of shittim wood, and hewed two tables of stone like unto the first, and went up into the mount, having the two tables in mine hand.
4 And he wrote on the tables, according to the first writing, the ten commandments, which the LORD spake unto you in the mount out of the midst of the fire in the day of the assembly: and the LORD gave them unto me.
5 And I turned myself and came down from the mount, and put the tables in the ark which I had made; and there they be, as the LORD commanded me.
6 And the children of Israel took their journey from Beeroth of the children of Jaakan to Mosera: there Aaron died, and there he was buried; and Eleazar his son ministered in the priest's office in his stead.
7 From thence they journeyed unto Gudgodah; and from Gudgodah to Jotbath, a land of rivers of waters.
8 At that time the LORD separated the tribe of Levi, to bear the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to minister unto him, and to bless in his name, unto this day.
9 Wherefore Levi hath no part nor inheritance with his brethren; the LORD is his inheritance, according as the LORD thy God promised him.
10 And I stayed in the mount, according to the first time, forty days and forty nights; and the LORD hearkened unto me at that time also, and the LORD would not destroy thee.
11 And the LORD said unto me, Arise, take thy journey before the people, that they may go in and possess the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give unto them.
There were four things in and by which God showed himself reconciled to Israel and made them truly great and happy, and in which God's goodness took occasion from their badness to make him the more illustrious: -
I. He gave them his law, gave it to them in writing, as a standing pledge of his favour. Though the tables that were first written were broken, because Israel had broken the commandments, and God might justly break the covenant, yet when his anger was turned away the tables were renewed, Deu 10:1, Deu 10:2. Note, God's putting his law in our reconciliation to God and the best earnest of our happiness in him. Moses is told to hew the tables; for the law prepares the heart by conviction and humiliation for the grace of God, but it is only that grace that then writes the law in it. Moses made an ark of shittim-wood (Deu 10:3), a plain chest, the same, I suppose, in which the tables were afterwards preserved: but Bezaleel is said to make it (Exo 37:1), because he afterwards finished it up and overlaid it with gold. Or Moses is said to make it because, when he went up the second time into the mount, he ordered it to be made by Bezaleel against he came down. And it is observable that for this reason the ark was the first thing that God gave orders about, Exo 25:10. And this left an earnest to the congregation that the tables should not miscarry this second time, as they had done the first. God will send his law and gospel to those whose hearts are prepared as arks to receive them. Christ is the ark in which now our salvation is kept safely, that it may not be lost as it was in the first Adam, when he had it in his own hand. Observe, 1. What it was that God wrote on the two tables, the ten commandments (Deu 10:4), or ten words, intimating in how little a compass they were contained: they were not ten volumes, but ten words: it was the same with the first writing, and both the same that he spoke in the mount. The second edition needed no correction nor amendment, nor did what he wrote differ form what he spoke. The written word is as truly the word of God as that which he spoke to his servants the prophets. 2. What care was taken of it. These two tables, thus engraven, were faithfully laid up in the ark. And there they be, said Moses, pointing it is probable towards the sanctuary, Deu 10:5. That good thing which was committed to him he transmitted to them, and left it pure and entire in their hands; now let them look to it at their peril. Thus we may say to the rising generation, "God has entrusted us with Bibles, sabbaths, sacraments, etc., as tokens of his presence and favour, and there they be; we lodge them with you," Ti2 1:13, Ti2 1:14.
II. He led them forward towards Canaan, though they in their hearts turned back towards Egypt, and he might justly have chosen their delusions, Deu 10:6, Deu 10:7. He brought them to a land of rivers of waters, out of a dry and barren wilderness. Sometimes God supplied their wants by the ordinary course of nature: when that failed, then by miracles; and yet after this, when they were brought into a little distress, we find them distrusting God and murmuring, Num 20:3, Num 20:4.
III. He appointed a standing ministry among them, to deal for them in holy things. At that time when Moses went up a second time to the mount, or soon after, he had orders to separate the tribe of Levi to God, and to his immediate service, they having distinguished themselves by their zeal against the worshippers of the golden calf, Deu 10:8, Deu 10:9. The Kohathites carried the ark; they and the other Levites stood before the Lord, to minister to him in all the offices of the tabernacle; and the priests, who were of that tribe, were to bless the people. This was a standing ordinance, which had now continued almost forty years, even unto this day; and provision was made for the perpetuating of it by the settled maintenance of that tribe, which was such as gave them great encouragement in their work, and no diversion from it. The Lord is his inheritance. Note, A settled ministry is a great blessing to a people, and a special token of God's favour. And, since the particular priests could not continue by reason of death, God showed his care of the people in securing a succession, which Moses takes notice of here, Deu 10:6. When Aaron died, the priesthood did not die with him, but Eleazar his son ministered in his stead, and took care of the ark, in which the tables of stone, those precious stones, were deposited, that they should suffer no damage; there they be, and he has the custody of them. Under the law, a succession in the ministry was kept up, by an entail of the office on a certain tribe and family. But now, under the gospel, when the effusion of the Spirit is more plentiful and powerful, the succession is kept up by the Spirit's operation on men's hearts, qualifying men for, and inclining men to, that work, some in every age, that the name of Israel may not be blotted out.
IV. He accepted Moses as an advocate or intercessor for them, and therefore constituted him their prince and leader (Deu 10:10, Deu 10:11): The Lord hearkened to me and said, Arise, go before the people. It was a mercy to them that they had such a friend, so faithful both to him that appointed him and to those for whom he was appointed. It was fit that he who had saved them from ruin, by his intercession with heaven, should have the conduct and command of them. And herein he was a type of Christ, who, as he ever lives making intercession for us, so he has all power both in heaven and in earth.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–11. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 10:1 records a pivotal moment in Israel's wilderness journey, where the LORD, in an act of profound grace, commands Moses to prepare new stone tablets and construct an ark of wood. This divine directive follows the catastrophic incident of the golden calf and the breaking of the first tablets, signifying God's unwavering commitment to renew His covenant with His rebellious people and to re-establish His presence among them. The verse encapsulates themes of divine restoration, the enduring importance of God's law, and the preparation for His dwelling in their midst.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 10:1 employs several significant literary devices that enrich its theological meaning. Repetition is evident in the command to create tablets "like unto the first," which echoes the initial giving of the Law and powerfully emphasizes the continuity and unwavering nature of God's covenant. This repetition serves to underscore divine faithfulness despite human failure. Symbolism is profoundly at play with both the "tables of stone" and the "ark of wood." The tablets symbolize the unchangeable, enduring nature of God's Law and His covenant promises, while the ark symbolizes God's holy presence dwelling among His people, serving as a tangible representation of His commitment to be with them. The shattered first tablets and the command for new ones also act as a powerful juxtaposition, highlighting the stark contrast between Israel's profound sin and God's boundless grace and willingness to restore. Furthermore, the command to build the ark here serves as foreshadowing, pointing forward to the detailed instructions for the Tabernacle and the Ark's central role in Israel's worship and journey, ultimately anticipating God's desire for intimate dwelling with humanity.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 10:1 stands as a powerful testament to the enduring grace and faithfulness of God. It reveals a God who, despite His people's egregious rebellion and covenant breach, initiates reconciliation and restoration. This is not a God who abandons His promises but one who actively seeks to renew relationship, even when it requires extraordinary divine condescension. The command to prepare new tablets and an ark signifies that God's holy standards remain, and His desire to dwell among His people persists. It teaches us that divine forgiveness is not an excuse for sin but a profound act of mercy that calls for renewed obedience and commitment. This passage lays the groundwork for understanding that God's presence is intrinsically linked to His word and His covenant, a truth that echoes throughout salvation history and culminates in Christ.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 10:1 offers profound spiritual encouragement for believers today. It reminds us that our God is a God of second chances, always willing to restore those who genuinely repent, even after significant failures. Just as He did for Israel, He extends His grace and mercy to us, inviting us back into covenant relationship when we stray. This passage challenges us to reflect on our own faithfulness to God's word and to embrace the transformative power of His forgiveness. It underscores that God's unchanging word remains foundational for our lives, guiding us in righteousness and truth, and providing the framework for a life pleasing to Him. Moreover, the concept of God desiring to dwell among His people, symbolized by the Ark, foreshadows the ultimate indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers and the presence of Christ with His church, affirming that God desires to be intimately involved in our lives. We are called to live in light of this incredible grace, cherishing His word and inviting His presence into every aspect of our existence, allowing His restorative power to transform our brokenness into renewed purpose.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Moses have to "hew" the second set of tablets, unlike the first set which God prepared?
Answer: The first set of tablets was uniquely "the work of God, and the writing was the writing of God, graven upon the tables" (Exodus 32:16). The command for Moses to "hew" the second set himself (Deuteronomy 10:1) introduces a subtle but significant difference. Theologically, this may highlight a few points: (1) It could underscore the consequences of sin; while God's grace is abundant, there are still human responsibilities and efforts involved in the process of restoration. (2) It might symbolize humanity's role in preparing to receive and preserve God's revelation, even if the content itself is divinely given. (3) It could emphasize Moses' unique mediatorial role, where he participates in the very act of preparing the covenant instruments, bridging the gap between a holy God and a sinful people. Despite Moses hewing the stone, God still miraculously wrote the words upon them, affirming the divine origin and authority of the Law.
What is the significance of the "ark of wood" being commanded at this specific point?
Answer: The command to "make thee an ark of wood" immediately follows the instruction to prepare new tablets, underscoring the inseparable connection between God's holy word and His dwelling presence. The Ark of the Covenant was designed to house these sacred tablets, becoming the central symbol of God's presence among His people. Its instruction here, before the detailed plans for the Tabernacle are given (though they were revealed earlier in Exodus 25), emphasizes that God's renewed covenant with Israel would be accompanied by His active, tangible presence. The Ark served as God's "footstool" or throne, the place where His glory would reside and from which He would communicate with Moses (Exodus 25:22). Its inclusion in this verse signifies God's desire not just to restore a legal agreement, but to re-establish an intimate, abiding relationship with His people, journeying with them through the wilderness and into the Promised Land, a profound demonstration of His covenant faithfulness.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 10:1, with its emphasis on covenant renewal and divine presence after human failure, profoundly foreshadows the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The breaking of the first tablets due to Israel's sin and the subsequent command for new ones perfectly illustrates humanity's inherent inability to perfectly keep God's Law and the desperate need for divine intervention to restore the broken covenant relationship. This historical event points directly to Christ, who is the mediator of a new and better covenant, not inscribed on tablets of stone but supernaturally written on the hearts of believers by the Holy Spirit (Jeremiah 31:31-34; 2 Corinthians 3:3). Just as the Ark was built to house the Law and symbolize God's presence among His people, Jesus Christ is the ultimate embodiment of God's dwelling among humanity, the Word made flesh, in whom the fullness of God dwells bodily (Colossians 2:9). Through His sacrificial death on the cross, Christ bore the penalty for our covenant breaking, and through His victorious resurrection, He inaugurated a new era of grace and restoration, allowing God's Spirit to indwell believers, making them living temples where God's presence eternally resides (1 Corinthians 6:19). Thus, the grace extended in Deuteronomy 10:1 finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, who fully restores humanity's relationship with God and makes true, abiding divine presence possible for all who believe.